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In 2023, Hong Kong was the world’s nineth largest spirits importer. The city’s global imports surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 30 percent and reached a new record valued of $779 million. Last year, domestic consumption grew significantly as both on-trade and off-trade sales registered remarkable growth.

In Spain, wine is an important part of the economy, society, landscape, culture and gastronomy. Spain boasts the world’s largest vine area and is the third largest wine producer in the European Union (EU), after France and Italy.

Under a new policy, importers of wine and distilled spirits whose domestic agents are registered within the Shanghai Free Trade Zone are no longer required to register the U.S. producer name and brand as a trademark in China prior to commercial sales.

Germany is the fourth largest wine producer in the European Union after France, Italy, and Spain. German wine production from the 2022 harvest for marketing in CY 2023 is estimated at 9.4 million hectoliters, 9.8 percent higher than the previous year.

Japan has a well-developed food retail market that demands high-quality, high-value agricultural and food products. Despite reduced economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, trade data show that agricultural imports have remained resilient.

In 2022, Hong Kong was the world’s tenth largest spirits importer, with global imports recovering 7 percent year-on-year and valued at $502 million. From 2020-2021, Hong Kong’s imports and domestic sales of spirits were seriously hampered under the COVID-19 pandemic, as most restaurants, pubs, and bars were closed due to stringent dining, social distancing, and travel restrictions.

The European Commission published a draft regulation outlining new rules for the indication and designation of ingredients for wine. The draft regulation also introduces a change to the VI-1 certificate. Stakeholders have until February 23, 2023, to comment.